The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, yesterday received the Deputy Director General Operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs Ogechi Daniels, at Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to deepen discussions on strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, migration management, and countering violent extremism across Nigeria.
In a statement, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information, noted that Mrs Daniels commended the Nigerian Government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, describing it as a model for rehabilitation and reintegration that has expanded beyond the North East to the North West and North Central regions. She further affirmed IOM’s readiness to deploy experts on Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) in new areas, including Zamfara State.
Mrs Daniels also highlighted the need to strengthen disaster risk reduction data, border management, and early warning systems. She disclosed that IOM maintains field presence in all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to commence Phase 4 of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration programmes.
While appreciating the Federal Government for creating the enabling environment for IOM’s operations in Nigeria, she reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons, with an emphasis on development-focused reintegration. She further stressed that joint research collaboration will be critical to ensuring the sustainability of peace and reintegration strategies across Nigeria.
In his response, General Musa warmly welcomed Mrs Daniels and acknowledged IOM’s longstanding partnership, particularly in the North East. He assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to collaborating with IOM and other stakeholders to advance peace and stability despite funding challenges. “We support everybody that makes our work easier,” he stated.
The visit underscores the shared commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to deepen collaboration in tackling insecurity, managing displacement, and promoting sustainable peace and development.
